How to troubleshoot a public access computer that will not start

Important note:  When troubleshooting power problems be very careful.  Be careful when plugging in power cords and working with power strips.  Do not remove a computer's cover or work on the insides of a computer while the computer is plugged in.  Call the IT department or public saftey if you believe that a power cord represents a danger.  If a power cord is broken or frayed, do not use it, call IT and have them replace it.

• Power issues
  • Look at the computer power button, hold your hand over the button so it is dark enough to see if the green light is on.  If the green light is not on then the computer is not on.  Press the power button to turn on the computer.  If the computer still does not start, check the power cord in the back of the computer, make sure it is fully plugged into the back of the computer.  Make sure the power cord is also plugged fully into the power strip. 
  • Make sure that the powerstrip is on.  Note on some powerstrips there is a button at the front of them which will turn off some of the outlets, the gray button on the front of these power strips turns these outlets on and off, if the green light on the power strip is off will need to press the gray button to turn it back on.  Other power strips have a red light on the switch or an on/off label to tell you if they are switched on or off.  Make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall outlet
  • If the computer is powering up, check to see if the monitor is on and connected to the computer.  If you see a test display or a warning on the monitor that it has no signal then the video cord needs to be plugged in.  To do that check in the back of the monitor for the black monitor cable with the white end and make sure it is plugged in all the way, then follow this cable to the back of the computer and make sure the other white end is plugged into the back of the computer all the way.  If there is no display at all on the monitor, make sure the power cord is plugged fully into the back of the monitor and that it is also plugged into the power strip under the desk.  Follow the power strip instructions listed above to make sure it is operating correctly.  Press the power button on the monitor.  If the button turns green then you should see a display, if the button is yellow make sure the computer is running, if it doesn't turn any color then it has no power, call IT.
• Windows Issues
  • If the computer starts up but does not reach a log in screen call IT.  If it boots in Windows "Safe" mode try to restart it, if it continues to boot in "Safe" mode call IT.
  • If the computer starts and reaches the login screen but the keyboard is not responding, make sure the keyboard cord is plugged securely into the back of the computer.  Wait a few minutes for it to recognize the keyboard.  If the keyboard still does not respond, restart the computer.  Try using the mouse to restart the computer, if this does not work, then press and hold the power button until the computer restarts.  If the keyboard still is unresponsive, try using another keyboard (borrow one from another public access computer for testing or look for one in the tech support area in the back).  If that keyboard does not work as well, call IT.
  • If the mouse is not responding, make sure it is plugged in securely to the back of the computer, wait a few minutes for the computer to recognize it.  If it still does not recognize the mouse, restart the computer (press Alt+F4 to get the Shut Down menu to appear, use the arrow keys and the enter key to select Restart).  If the mouse still does not respond try another mouse, if that fails call IT.